Combine Results

Grade

4.61 SEC

35.5 INCH

118.0 INCH

7.05 SEC

4.18 SEC

Draft Analysis:

"When I first saw him, I thought this is a potential first kid picked in the draft. But he's been very inconsistent. I keep saying somebody is going to want to put Humpty Dumpty back together again because his skill set is amazing." -- Mike Mayock

6'6" Height

34 1/4" Arm Length

248LBS. Weight

10 7/8" Hands

Overview

The Virginia prep participated in the U.S. Army Bowl and was the top-ranked tight end prospect in the country. Redshirted in 2009. Saw action in seven games in '10 as a quarterback and wide receiver, completed 12-of-26 passes for 107 yards (84.6 percent) with zero touchdowns and zero interceptions. Ran the ball six times for 22 yards (3.7-yard average) and zero touchdowns, in addition to catching a 2-yard touchdown pass vs. Wake Forest. Started all 14 games at quarterback in '11 and threw for 234-391-3,013-19-10 (60.0) while rushing 153-469-11 (3.1). Set the school record for rushing touchdowns by a QB. Led the Hokies in rushing in '12 with 174-524-9 (3.0) and throwing 220-429-2,976-18-16 (51.3) in 13 starts. Made every start for the Hokies for a third straight season, tossing 227-402-2,907-16-13 (56.5) and rushing 162-344-4 (2.1) in 13 games. Was knocked out of the Sun Bowl early with a head injury. Team captain. Finished his career with 9,103 yards and 53 touchdowns, both school records. Had a 26-14 record in 40 career starts.

Analysis

Strengths

Outstanding size, stature and strength -- towers over the line, has natural throwing lanes from the pocket and is able to make plays in the grasp. Athletic -- can climb the pocket, escape and run for the sticks. Load to bring down. Generates easy velocity with a quick, compact release and can make all the throws. Is very competitive and will sell out to make a play. Has upside. Tough and durable -- started 40 consecutive games. Vocal leader. Was the only quarterback to crack a ball speed of 60 mph on the radar gun at the combine and can flat-out rip it.

Weaknesses

Plateaued as a sophomore. Uneven performance. Inconsistent footwork and mechanics. Shoddy ball placement. Still developing touch and deep-ball accuracy. Needs to quicken his eyes and expand his field vision. Needs to learn to protect himself -- is not elusive and represents a big target to defenders. Struggled in big games, including a nightmare performance against Alabama. Too careless with the football -- 39 INTs and 23 fumbles as a starter. Career 50-percent passer on third down.

Draft Projection

Rounds 3-4

Bottom Line

Unrefined, strong-armed, sturdy pocket passer who looks the part and has intriguing, raw arm talent, though he is a converted tight end whose inexperience showed throughout a yo-yo career in Blacksburg. Has definite developmental value given his starter-caliber skill set and intangible makeup. Would benefit from coaching continuity, more specifically a QB coach capable of refining his crude talent.
-Nolan Nawrocki